Self Defense In England, In Our Future?

Grand Rapids (Mich.) Hunting Examiner Kevin Rought writes in his Aug. 10 blog that an Orwellian future may be "closer to reality than you think."

"You're sound asleep when you hear a thump outside your bedroom door," he writes. "Half-awake, and nearly paralyzed with fear, you hear muffled whispers. At least two people have broken into your house and are moving your way. With your heart pumping, you reach down beside your bed and pick up your shotgun. You rack a shell into the chamber, then inch toward the door and open it. In the darkness, you make out two shadows.

"One holds something that looks like a crowbar," he continues. "When the intruder brandishes it as if to strike, you raise the shotgun and fire. The blast knocks both thugs to the floor. One writhes and screams while the second man crawls to the front door and lurches outside. As you pick up the telephone to call police, you know you're in trouble ..."